The Department 

The Trade Operations Group oversees post-trade operations for the Financial Risk Management practice. It is the responsibility of Trade Operations to execute cash management transactions, reconcile cash management activity, and to ensure margin and collateral requirements are met. Trade Operations Group performs the independent reconciliation and verification of all trading performed by Capital Markets Group. It also directs trade matching, clearing, and settlement activities. Additionally, the group manages dealer and custody accounts on behalf of our clients, including account opening, onboarding, maintaining dealer records and general account administration and operations.  

 

The Role 

The role of Trade Operations Associate is responsible for all trade lifecycle, collateral and cash management aspects of their clients. This role acts as the first point of contact for all client queries and reports to the Head of Trade Operations. The Trade Operations Associate is a key part of a dynamic team that works closely with the trading and portfolio management teams and other stakeholders.  

 

Your Responsibilities: 

Identify, perform analysis, and resolve trade and settlement breaks.   Monitor the intraday and next day trade and cash reconciliation of client accounts.   Oversee high level account balances and margin requirements; execute transfers to meet margin requirements.   Work directly with counterparties, custodians, banks and other interested parties to ensure all actions on behalf of the client are resolved and reconciled in a timely manner   Produce and distribute reporting to clients and third-party service providers   Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in specific areas of this business. Collaborate with other areas of support including Governance & Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Capital Markets and Trading, Actuarial, Trading Technology and Legal/Compliance.   Assist internal and external clients with resolution of reported errors or issues when deeper analysis is required.   Actively participate in client meetings to field and address client requests and concerns  Provide support for daily operational activities while also identifying opportunities for automation in areas.   Comprehend the business processes, understand current procedures, and possess a strong ability to implement process changes and improvements.    Drive process improvements by analyzing requirements, constructing workflow charts and diagrams, and writing specifications.   Produce documentation regarding process flows and operational procedures.  Cross-train, guide, and mentor junior team members.   Provide support on cross team or external project management activities. Take lead on small to medium team projects.    Additional responsibilities as group continues to expand in business and complexity.  

 

Job Knowledge, Experience Skills 

Job Knowledge Required 

Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or another similar and relevant program of study.   In depth knowledge of derivatives products of multiple asset classes   Intermediate knowledge of one or more of the following products: Futures, Listed Options, Cleared OTC Derivatives, Fixed Income (Bonds and ETFs), Mutual Funds, UIT(s), Equities, and Bilateral Non-Cleared OTC Derivatives.   Working knowledge of cash and collateral management.   Experience with managing different aspects of the post trade life cycle from beginning to termination including allocation, confirmation, reconciliation, clearing settlement, valuations/exposure management, and corporate actions for Derivatives, Fixed Income, or Equity products in domestic and international markets.  

 

Experience and Soft Skills Required  

3-7 years of experience in treasury, trade, or investment operations.  Exposure to fund accounting, global custody, or transfer agency operations.   Knowledge of the different participants in the fund management business and their roles – fund managers, administrators, brokers.   Experience with post trade operations vendor systems.   Experience with SQL, Python, and other programming languages a plus.   Proficient in Microsoft Office with intermediate to advanced Excel capabilities.   Understand how derivatives, securities, and cash management activities impact custody, accounting, portfolio management, and trading.    Strong technical skills capable of analyzing trade and cash data to develop tools and solutions.   Strong written and verbal communication skills.   Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.    Solid organizational skills - especially the ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details.   Strong ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.   Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively cope with change.   Sharp critical thinking skills, sound judgment and decision-making ability, and both the ability and willingness to clearly articulate your ideas.   Demonstrated aptitude for critical thought needed for timely identification and resolution of trade matters.  

 

Location

Candidates hired into this role will be required to work in-person in the Milliman office in Chicago, IL on a weekly basis, but flexible work arrangements will be considered.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $79,000 - $120,000, depending on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, location, etc. 

Benefits 

At Milliman, we focus on creating an environment that recognizes – and meets – the personal and professional needs of the individual and their family. We offer competitive benefits which include the following based on plan eligibility:

A 401(k) plan with matching program, and profit-sharing contribution Employee Assistance Program (EAP) A discretionary bonus program Paid Time Off (PTO) starts accruing on the first day of work and can be used for any reason; full-time employees will accrue 15 days of PTO per year, and employees working less than a full-time schedule will accrue PTO at a prorated amount based on hours worked Family building benefits, including adoption and fertility assistance and paid parental leave up to 12 weeks for employees who have worked for Milliman for at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the preceding 12-month period Commuter Program, which allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for your parking or public transit expenses to get to and from work. You may utilize this benefit any time throughout the year and funds will be available the first of the month following your first contribution. A minimum of 10 paid holidays Milliman covers 100% of the premiums for life insurance, AD&D, and both short-term and long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care, transportation, and applicable medical needs

Equal Opportunity 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

 

Milliman & FRM Practice Mission, Values, Competencies 

Our mission is to serve our clients to protect the health and financial well-being of people everywhere. We are influential market leaders, solving important problems through our deep subject matter expertise. 

 

In fulfilling this mission and values, Milliman’s professionals are helping our clients answer significant questions, such as: 

How can people provide for themselves when they no longer work?  How can our clients efficiently finance, deliver and improve healthcare?  How can an insurer protect its clients against the risks they face? 

 

Since its founding in 1947, Milliman is dedicated to enduring values that govern our actions in the marketplace. 

Quality – Milliman’s advice, products and client service adhere to the highest standards of quality.  Integrity – Milliman’s people demonstrate integrity in all that we do. We are committed to honesty and professionalism in our interaction with our clients and colleagues, including independent advice free of conflicts and a culture of inclusion and respect for all colleagues.  Opportunity – Milliman is committed to embracing diversity and providing all our people opportunities to achieve their full potential including opportunities to:  Shape their own careers  Assist in developing the strategy of their practice  Pursue innovations to further Milliman’s mission in the marketplace